From humble beginnings in a grocer’s store to the worldwide sensation that it is today, Scotch whisky label Johnnie Walker has come a long way in 200 years. That’s right, the iconic blended whisky is turning the big ‘two-double-zero’, and to celebrate, the label has unveiled four new releases, each signifying a pivotal aspect in the JW story.
Launching in October, the new bottlings celebrate the Johnnie Walker journey. “Each of these exclusive releases brings a fresh perspective to our 200th-anniversary story and is the perfect way to celebrate this huge moment for Johnnie Walker,” Jim Beveridge, Johnnie Walker’s master blender, said. It feels very apt to be announcing them this week to coincide with John Walker’s birthday.”
So, what does Johnnie have in store for us?
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Johnnie Walker Blue Label 200th Anniversary Limited Edition Design
This 200th Anniversary Limited Edition Design for the iconic Johnnie Walker Blue Label features bespoke illustrations that depict founder John Walker’s bold journey. This design also pays homage to some of the great cities and countries that have been part of the Johnnie Walker story. Collectors can chart the growth of the Johnnie Walker name through the illustrations of geographical landmarks and cultural symbols that represent progress in each of the countries.
- Description: This limited edition features bespoke illustrations that celebrate John Walker’s journey from grocer to global icon. The bottle design includes illustrations of landmarks and cultural symbols from key cities and countries that have shaped the brand’s history.
- Tasting Notes: While specific tasting notes are not provided for this release, Johnnie Walker Blue Label typically exhibits flavors of hazelnuts, honey, sherry, and oranges with hints of ginger, kumquats, sandalwood, and dark chocolate.
Johnnie Walker Blue Label Legendary Eight
An exclusive release celebrating 200 years of bold and passionate craft, this smooth, mellow Scotch is crafted using some of the very rarest whiskies in the Johnnie Walker reserves. “Each whisky is hand-selected from only eight legendary distilleries that all existed when John Walker made the first steps on his journey, including some very rare expressions from long-closed “ghost” distilleries,” the company says.
- Description: A smooth, mellow Scotch blended from some of the rarest whiskies available from eight legendary distilleries that were operational during John Walker’s time. This includes whiskies from “ghost” distilleries that are no longer in operation.
- Tasting Notes: Expect a rich and complex flavour profile featuring subtle sweet notes of dried fruit, nuanced by deeper, darker hints of chocolate, floral zest, and a touch of aromatic smoke.
John Walker & Sons Celebratory Blend
This exclusive release celebrates a breakthrough moment in John Walker & Sons’ history. It depicts the infamous launch of Old Highland Whisky in the 1860s, the company’s first commercial blend to travel from Scotland to the four corners of the world. “This rich and complex whisky is inspired by the flavours found in the Walker family’s grocery store in the 1860s and uses whiskies from distilleries that were operating at that time,” Johnnie Walker says. “The exclusive pack design reveals the only existing image of the Kilmarnock grocery store 200 years ago.”
- Description: Inspired by the launch of Old Highland Whisky in the 1860s, this blend uses whiskies from active distilleries during that era. The packaging features the only existing image of the original Kilmarnock grocery store.
- Tasting Notes: A rich and complex whisky that offers a deep, robust flavour profile with notes of sweet dried fruit, spice, and wood smoke, evoking the ambience of the 1860s grocery store.
John Walker & Sons Bicentenary Blend
Finally, the Bicentenary Blend takes us back to where it began. “This exceptional whisky is a sensorial journey down the fragrant aisles of John Walker’s original grocery store in Scotland,” the label says. “Master Blender Jim Beveridge and his team have drawn inspiration from John’s store and meticulously crafted a whisky with rich layers that re-imagines the exotic flavours that shaped his imagination.” The John Walker & Sons Bicentenary Blend is crafted with rare and exceptional whiskies, all aged for at least 28 years, including whiskies from long-closed “ghost” distilleries such as Pittyvaich, Cambus and Port Ellen.
- Description: This blend is a tribute to the early days of John Walker’s grocery store, featuring whiskies aged for at least 28 years, including rare whiskies from closed “ghost” distilleries such as Pittyvaich, Cambus, and Port Ellen.
- Tasting Notes: This exceptional blend provides a sensory journey with layers of rich fruit, creamy vanilla, and subtle smoke intertwined with exotic spices and a velvety chocolate finish.
Johnnie Walker 200th Anniversary Releases
The new Johnnie Walker 200th Anniversary releases are set to be launched in October to coincide with the milestone of that fateful day when Walker first opened the doors to his Kilmarnock grocer. “John’s spark, vision and entrepreneurial fire were the impetus to growing the John Walker name, our business and ultimately a new future for Scotch whisky,” John Williams, Diageo’s global Scotch director, said. “This year, we’re celebrating the steps he first took – steps that have inspired generations of our whisky makers and are at the heart of everything we do today and will do tomorrow.”
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General FAQ
Johnnie Walker Blue Label is the rarest and most expensive whisky from Johnnie Walker.
The John Walker Masters' Edition is the oldest whisky from Johnnie Walker. It is a 50-year-old blend.
